U.S. patent number 9,858,807 [Application Number 15/181,743] was granted by the patent office on 2018-01-02 for wireless control system for vehicle handle.
This patent grant is currently assigned to GENTEX CORPORATION. The grantee listed for this patent is Gentex Corporation. Invention is credited to Bradley R. Hamlin, Danny L. Minikey, Jr..
United States Patent |
9,858,807 |
Hamlin , et al. |
January 2, 2018 |
Wireless control system for vehicle handle
Abstract
A wireless control system for controlling a remotely controlled
device is disclosed. The wireless control system comprises a
circuit assembly. The circuit assembly comprises a transceiver
circuit and an input device in communication with a control
circuit. The control circuit is configured to control the
transceiver circuit in response to an input received from the input
device. The circuit assembly forms a profile shape configured to be
significantly disposed within a handle portion of a vehicle.
Inventors: |
Hamlin; Bradley R. (Allendale,
MI), Minikey, Jr.; Danny L. (Fenwick, MI) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gentex Corporation |
Zeeland |
MI |
US |
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Assignee: |
GENTEX CORPORATION (Zeeland,
MI)
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Family
ID: |
57517276 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/181,743 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2016 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20160364982 A1 |
Dec 15, 2016 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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62175673 |
Jun 15, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62K
23/02 (20130101); B62M 25/08 (20130101); B62J
45/00 (20200201); B62K 21/12 (20130101); G08C
17/02 (20130101); B62K 21/26 (20130101); G08C
2201/21 (20130101); G08C 2201/20 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G05B
11/01 (20060101); G08C 17/02 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;340/5.71,12.5,426.1,432 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2536422 |
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Dec 2014 |
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RU |
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2010039065 |
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Apr 2010 |
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WO |
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Other References
International Search Report and Written Opinion of the
International Searching Authority, or the Declaration, dated Oct.
20, 2016, for International Application No. PCT/US2016/037341,
filed Jun. 14, 2016, 9 pages. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: McNally; Kerri
Assistant Examiner: Akhter; Sharmin
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Price Heneveld LLP Johnson; Bradley
D.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/175,673,
filed on Jun. 15, 2015, entitled "WIRELESS CONTROL SYSTEM FOR
VEHICLE HANDLE," the entire disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A wireless control system for controlling a remotely controlled
device, the wireless control system comprising: a circuit assembly
comprising: a transceiver circuit; an input device; and a control
circuit configured to control the transceiver circuit in response
to an input received from the input device; and wherein the circuit
assembly forms a profile shape configured to be disposed in an
internal passage formed within an end portion of a handle portion
of a vehicle.
2. The wireless control system according to claim 1, wherein the
transceiver circuit and the control circuit are completely disposed
within an internal passage formed by the handle portion.
3. The wireless control system according to claim 1, where the
input device is in attachment with the handle portion at least
partially outside the internal passage.
4. The wireless control system according to claim 1, wherein the
control circuit is configured to control the transceiver to emit a
control signal configured to control the remotely controlled
device.
5. The wireless control system according to claim 1, wherein the
control circuit is further configured to: receive a control signal
from a remote control device and identify an encoded control code
of the control signal.
6. The wireless control system according to claim 5, wherein the
control circuit is configured to control the transceiver to emit
the encoded control signal to control the remotely controlled
device.
7. A wireless control apparatus for controlling a remotely
controlled device comprising: a circuit assembly having a profile
shape configured to be disposed in an internal passage of a handle
of a vehicle, the circuit assembly comprising: a transmitter
circuit; a communication interface; and a control circuit
configured to control the transmitter circuit in response to an
input received from an input device; and the input device exposed
from the internal passage and in communication with the control
circuit via the communication interface, wherein the profile shape
of the circuit assembly is configured to be disposed in the
internal passage via an opening of the handle proximate the
outboard portion.
8. The wireless control apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the
input device comprises at least one input interface configured to
receive a user input.
9. The wireless control apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the
input device is configured to connect to an outer diameter of the
handle.
10. The wireless control apparatus according to claim 7, wherein
the handle comprises a grip for operating the vehicle comprising an
inboard portion and an outboard portion.
11. The wireless control apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
the input device is configured to connect to the inboard portion of
the handle.
12. The wireless control apparatus according to claim 11, wherein
the handle comprises a grip disposed on the handle extending
substantially from the outboard portion to the inboard portion.
13. The wireless control apparatus according to claim 12, wherein
the grip is configured to conceal the communication interface.
14. A wireless control apparatus configured to connect to a handle
of a vehicle and for controlling a remotely controlled device, the
apparatus comprising: a circuit assembly having a profile shape
configured to be disposed in an internal passage of the handle, the
circuit assembly comprising: a transmitter circuit; a communication
interface; and a control circuit configured to control the
transmitter circuit in response to an input received from an input
device; and the input device exposed from the internal passage and
in communication with the control circuit via the communication
interface; wherein the handle comprises sa proximal portion and a
distal portion, and the profile shape of the circuit assembly is
configured to be disposed in the internal passage via an opening
formed by the handle proximate the distal portion.
15. The wireless control apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
the input device forms a cap portion in connection with the
opening.
16. The wireless control apparatus according to claim 15, wherein
the cap portion is configured to engage the opening and seal the
internal passage from an outside environment.
17. The wireless control apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
the input device comprises a first user input and a second user
input configured to cause the control circuit to activate a control
signal configured to control the remotely controlled device.
Description
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to a wireless control
system configured to control at least one remotely controlled
device and more particularly relates to a trainable wireless
control system for use in a vehicle.
SUMMARY
One aspect of the present disclosure includes a wireless control
system for controlling a remotely controlled device. The wireless
control system comprises a circuit assembly. The circuit assembly
comprises a transceiver circuit and an input device in
communication with a control circuit. The control circuit is
configured to control the transceiver circuit in response to an
input received from the input device. The circuit assembly forms a
profile shape configured to be significantly disposed within a
handle portion of a vehicle.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a wireless
control apparatus for controlling a remotely controlled device. The
apparatus comprises a circuit assembly having a profile shape
configured to be disposed in an internal passage of a handle of a
vehicle. The circuit assembly comprises a transmitter circuit, a
communication interface, and a control circuit. The control circuit
is configured to control the transmitter circuit in response to an
input received from an input device. The input device is exposed
from the internal passage and in communication with the control
circuit via the communication interface.
Yet another aspect of the present disclosure includes a wireless
control apparatus configured to connect to a handle of a vehicle.
The apparatus may further be configured to control a remotely
controlled device via a circuit assembly. The circuit assembly has
a profile shape configured to be disposed in an internal passage of
the handle and comprises a transmitter circuit, a communication
interface, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured
to control the transmitter circuit in response to an input received
from an input device. The input device is exposed from the internal
passage and in communication with the control circuit via the
communication interface.
These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present
device will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled
in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and
appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless control system operable to
communication wirelessly with a remote electronic system;
FIG. 2A is an perspective view of a wireless control system
disposed in a handle portion of a vehicle;
FIG. 2B is a partially exploded assembly view of a wireless control
system disposed in a handle portion of a vehicle;
FIG. 2C is a partially exploded assembly view of a wireless control
system configured to be disposed in a handle portion of a
vehicle;
FIG. 3A is an perspective view of a wireless control system
disposed in a handle portion of a vehicle;
FIG. 3B is a partially exploded assembly view of a wireless control
system disposed in a handle portion of a vehicle;
FIG. 3C is a partially exploded assembly view of a wireless control
system disposed in a handle portion of a vehicle; and
FIG. 3D is a partially exploded assembly view of a wireless control
system configured to be disposed in a handle portion of a vehicle
in accordance with the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
For purposes of description herein the terms "upper," "lower,"
"right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and
derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as oriented in FIG.
2. However, it is to be understood that the device may assume
various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where
expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood
that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification are simply
exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the
appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
The disclosure provides for various embodiments of a wireless
control system configured to be at least partially disposed in a
passageway formed by a component of a vehicle. The component may be
disposed proximate a handle or grip portion that may be utilized
during operation of the vehicle. The various embodiments of the
wireless control system discussed herein may provide for remote
operation of remotely controlled electronic system or remote
electronic systems. The remote electronic systems may correspond to
various systems configured to control electronic and/or
electro-mechanical systems that may correspond to systems utilized
in relation to homes, businesses, and various localities having
remote electronic systems.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram 10 of a wireless control
system 12 configured to communicate with a remote electronic system
14 is shown. The remote electronic system 14 may correspond to any
of a plurality of remote electronic systems, such as, a garage door
opener, a security gate control system, security lights, remote
lighting fixtures or appliances, a home security system, etc. For
example, the remote electronic system 14 may correspond to a garage
door opener that may be utilized to access a residential or
commercial garage. The wireless control system 12 is configured to
wirelessly communicate with the remote electronic system 14 via a
wireless communication interface 16.
The wireless communication interface 16 may be configured to
transmit and/or receive signals communicated from the wireless
control system 12 to the remote electronic system 14. In an
exemplary implementation, the wireless control system 12 may
comprise a remote transceiver circuit 18 configured to wirelessly
communicate with a local transceiver circuit 20 of the remote
electronic system 14 via wireless signals. The wireless signals may
correspond to radio frequency RF signals, for example ultra-high
frequency (UHF) band signals, and may also correspond to infrared
signals, and/or various other wireless signals. The wireless
signals of the remote transceiver circuit 18 may be emitted and
received from a remote antenna 22 to communicate with a local
antenna 24 of the local transceiver circuit 20.
Each of the transceiver circuits 18 and 22 may include transmit
and/or receive circuitry configured to communicate signals from the
remote antenna 22 to the local antenna 24 and vice versa. For
example, the wireless signals may comprise control data configured
to cause a garage door opener to open or close a garage door.
Additionally, the wireless communication interface 16 may be
operable to communicate status signals having status data
indicating a status of remote electronic system 14. Such status
signals may correspond to a variety of information, such as a
success or failure indication of corresponding to control data sent
from the transceiver circuit 18. Status signals may further
correspond to an indication of whether a garage door is open or
closed or moving between open and closed position, whether a
security system is armed or disarmed, whether a light is on or off,
etc.
The wireless control system 12 comprises a control circuit 26
configured to control various components and/or integrated circuits
of the system 12, to store data in memory, operate preprogrammed
functionality, send and receive wireless signals, etc. The control
circuit 26 may include various types of control circuitry, digital
and/or analog, and may include a microprocessor, microcontroller,
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other circuitry
configured to perform various input/output, control, analysis, and
other functions to be described herein. The control circuit 26 may
be coupled to an input device 28, which includes one or more
switches (see FIGS. 2 and 3), but may alternatively include other
user input devices, such as, switches, knobs, dials, a
voice-actuated input control circuit configured to receive voice
signals, etc.
The control circuit 26 may further be coupled to a status indicator
30. In various implementations, the status indicator 30 may
correspond to one or more light-emitting diodes (LED), a display
element, etc. The status indicator 30 may include other or
additional display elements, such as a liquid crystal display
(LCD). The status indicator 30 may include a single multi-colored
LED (e.g., green, red, and yellow) or multiple LEDs, each of which
may represent a different color. The status indicator 30 may be
configured to display information corresponding to the status of
remote electronic system 14 and/or the wireless control system 12.
For example, the status indicator 30 may be controlled by the
control circuit 26 to emit a first color of light to identify that
a signal is sent to the remote electrical system 14 and a second
color of t light configured to identify when a command requested by
the wireless control system 12 is complete.
In operation, the wireless control system 12 is configured to
receive one or more characteristics of an activation signal sent
from an original transmitter. An original transmitter is a
transmitter, typically a hand-held transmitter sold with the remote
electronic system 14. The original transmitter is configured to
transmit an activation signal at a predetermined carrier frequency
having control data configured to actuate the remote electronic
system 14. For example, the original transmitter can be a hand-held
garage door opener transmitter configured to transmit a garage door
opener signal at a frequency, such as 355 megaHertz (MHz), wherein
the activation signal has control data, which can be a fixed code
or a cryptographically-encoded code. The remote electronic system
14 is configured to open a garage door, for example, in response to
receiving the activation signal from the original transmitter.
The transceiver 18 is configured to receive one or more
characteristics of the activation signal from the original
transmitter or from another source. The one or more characteristics
may include the frequency, control data, modulation scheme, etc. In
this configuration, the transceiver 18 is configured to learn at
least one characteristic of the activation signal by receiving the
activation signal, determining the frequency of the activation
signal, and demodulating the control data from the activation
signal. The wireless control system 12 may correspond to a
Homelink.RTM. trainable transceiver and may be constructed
according to one or more embodiments disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,091,343, 5,854,593 or 5,708,415, which are herein incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
In some embodiments, the wireless control system 12 may be
configured to receive one or more characteristics of the activation
signal by other methods. For example, the one or more
characteristics of the activation signal may be preprogrammed into
a memory of the control system 12 during manufacture or may be
input via the input device 28. Accordingly, the wireless control
system 12 may be programmed by alternate or optional methods that
may not require receiving the activation signal from an original
transmitter in order to identify characteristics of the activation
signal. The wireless control system 12 may receive or identify the
characteristics of the activation signal by various methods and
store the characteristics of the activation signal in memory.
The transceiver circuit 18 may be configured, via the control
circuit 26, to generate a carrier frequency at any of a number of
frequencies, some of which may correspond to the ultra-high
frequency range. The carrier frequency may be approximately between
20 and 470 megaHertz (MHz), and in some implementations may be
between 280 and 430 MHz. The control data may be modulated on to
the carrier frequency signal via frequency shift key (FSK) or
amplitude shift key (ASK) modulation and may utilize additional
modulation techniques. The control data on the wireless control
signal may be a fixed code, a rolling code, or various
cryptographically encoded control codes suitable for use with
remote electronic systems.
In some embodiments, the control system 12 may correspond to a
stand-alone system configured to operate via a power supply 32,
which may be in the form of a battery. In some embodiments, the
control system 12 may also or alternatively be in communication
with one or more additional systems of the vehicle, for example a
control module and/or a power supply of the vehicle. In such
implementations, the control system 12 may further be operable to
activate the transceiver circuit 18 to output control signals
configured to control the remote electrical system 14 in response
to receiving one or more signals from the control module of the
vehicle. The one or more signals may correspond to various
operating states of the vehicle, for example a drive state of
forward, reverse, or neutral/park; a location of the vehicle
identified by a GPS module or alternative positioning module in
communication with the control module; an operator identity
communicated by the control module, etc. In this way, the input
device 28 may be operable to activate different control signals to
control various remote electrical systems and/or functions thereof
based on the signals received form the control module of the
vehicle and any other systems or peripherals in communication with
the control module or the control system 12.
FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C demonstrate assembly views of a handle mounted
wireless control system 40 in accordance with the disclosure. The
wireless control system 40 may correspond to the wireless control
system 12 having corresponding elements like numbered for clarity.
The control system 40 is at least partially disposed in an internal
passage 42 formed by a handle portion 44 or handle bar of a
vehicle. The vehicle may correspond to various forms of vehicles
that may have handle portions, for example, bicycles, motorcycles,
all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), jet skis, and various other vehicles
that may be maneuvered at least in part by utilizing a handle
portion.
The handle portion 44 may comprise a proximal portion 46 and a
distal end portion 48, which may correspond to an inboard portion
50 and an outboard portion 52 of the handle portion 44,
respectively. The handle portion 44 may comprise a tubular body 54
having an inner diameter 56 configured to receive at least a
portion of the control system 40 and an outer diameter 58
configured to receive a grip 60 of the vehicle. The handle portion
44 may be of various materials and may be configured to have
sufficient strength to support forces required to maneuver a
particular vehicle. Some materials for the handle portion 44 may be
of metallic, polymeric, composite materials, etc. suited to
particular applications.
The grip 60 may be configured to provide a comfortable gripping
surface to be grasped by an operator to maneuver the vehicle. The
grip 60 may be of various materials corresponding to various
applications. In some implementations, the grip 60 may be of
polymeric materials configured to provide a comfortable gripping
surface configured to receive forces to maneuver a vehicle. The
grip 60 may form an engaging surface 62 configured to engage the
outer diameter 58 of the grip 60. Though the handle portion 44 and
the grip 60 are described as having substantially rounded or
circular cross-sections, it shall be understood that the handle
portion 44, the internal passage 42, and the engaging surface 62
may conform to various shapes and proportions without departing
from the spirit of the disclosure.
In some embodiments, a user interface 64 corresponding to the input
device 28 of the control system 12 may be disposed proximate the
distal end portion 48 of the handle portion 44 and the internal
passage 42. The user interface 64 may comprise a first user input
66 and a second user input 68. In an assembled form, as shown in
FIG. 2A, the user interface 64 is affixed proximate the distal end
portion 48 of the handle portion 44 such that the first user input
66 and the second user input 68 are accessible by an operator of
the vehicle. In this configuration, the operator may depress the
first user input 66 and/or the second user input 68 to cause the
control system 40 to activate and/or program a control signal
configured to control the remote electrical system 14. The first
user input 66 and the second user input may correspond to various
electrical and/or electro-mechanical switches and may correspond to
momentary switches.
Referring now to FIG. 2C, a circuit assembly 70 of the control
system 40 is shown in an exploded assembly view along an axis of
the handle portion 44 extending into the internal passage 42. The
circuit assembly 70 comprises a printed circuit board 72 configured
to enable electrical communication from the control circuit 26 to
and/or from the power supply 32, the input device 28, the
transceiver circuit 18, and in some implementations the control
module/vehicle power supply. The circuit assembly 70 is configured
to form an interface shape 74 configured to be at least partially
disposed within the internal passage 42. As best demonstrated in
FIG. 2B, the circuit assembly 70 is substantially disposed within
the internal passage 42 having only the first user input 66 and the
second user input 68 of the control system 40 extending proximate
to or somewhat beyond the distal end portion 48 of the handle
portion 44. In this configuration, the first user input 66 and the
second user input 68 of the input device 28 may form a cap portion
configured to significantly seal and enclose the internal passage
42. The circuit assembly 70 is configured to be implemented in
various handle portions of vehicles with little adjustment to
existing handle and grip assemblies.
FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D demonstrate assembly views of a handle
mounted wireless control system 80 in accordance with the
disclosure. The wireless control system 80 may correspond to the
wireless control system 12 having corresponding elements like
numbered for clarity. The control system 80 is at least partially
disposed in the internal passage 42 formed by the handle portion 44
or handle bar of a vehicle. The handle portion 44 comprises the
proximal portion 46 and the distal end portion 48 corresponding to
an inboard portion 50 and an outboard portion 52 of the handle
portion 44, respectively. The handle portion 44 may comprise a
tubular body 54 having an inner diameter 56 configured to receive
at least a portion of the control system 40 and an outer diameter
58 configured to receive a grip 60 of the vehicle.
The grip 60 may be configured to provide a comfortable gripping
surface to be grasped by an operator to maneuver the vehicle. The
grip 60 may form an engaging surface 62 configured to engage the
outer diameter 58 of the grip 60 and may further be configured to
at least partially conceal a communication interface 82 extending
from a circuit assembly 90 of the control system 80 to an input
assembly 92. The communication interface 82 may correspond to one
or more insulated electrical wires configured to transmit signals
from the input device 28 disposed in the input assembly 92 to the
control circuit 26 disposed in the circuit assembly 90. In this
configuration, a first user input 94 and a second user input 96 may
be disposed proximate an inner most portion of the grip 60
corresponding to an inboard extent 98 of the grip 60 proximate the
proximal portion 46 of the handle portion 44. The input assembly 92
may correspond to a housing configured to secure the first user
input 94 and the second user input 96 to the handle portion 44.
Though the handle portion 44 and the grip 60 are described as
having substantially rounded or circular cross-sections, it shall
be understood that the handle portion 44, the internal passage 42,
and the engaging surface 62 may conform to various shapes and
proportions without departing from the spirit of the
disclosure.
The wireless control system 80 may provide for an operator of the
vehicle to control the wireless control system 80 by utilizing a
thumb or digit while grasping the grip 60 to maneuver the vehicle.
In this configuration, the operator may depress the first user
input 94 and/or the second user input 96 to control the control
system 40 to activate and/program a control signal configured to
control the remote electrical system 14. In this way, the operator
may control the remote electrical system 14 comfortably while
maintaining contact with the grip 60 to maneuver the vehicle. The
first user input 66 and the second user input 68 may correspond to
various electrical and/or electro-mechanical switches and may
correspond to momentary switches.
Similar to the circuit assembly 70, the circuit assembly 90 may
comprise a printed circuit board 98 configured to enable electrical
communication from the control circuit 26 to and/or from the power
supply 32, the input device 28, the transceiver circuit 18, and in
some implementations the control module/vehicle power supply. The
printed circuit board 98 may further comprise at least one
input/output (I/O) port in communication with the control circuit
26 configured to connect to the communication interface 82. The
circuit assembly 90 may further be configured to form an interface
shape 102 configured to be at least partially disposed within the
internal passage 42.
As best demonstrated in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the circuit assembly 90 is
substantially disposed within the internal passage 42. In some
implementations, the circuit assembly 90 is completely disposed in
the internal passage 42 having only the input assembly 92 in
communication with the control system 40 via the communication
interface 82 included outside the internal passage 42. In some
embodiments, the input assembly 92 may further comprise the status
indicator 30 incorporated in a housing 104 of the input assembly
92. In such implementations, the status indicator 30 may further be
in communication with the control circuit 26 via the communication
interface 82 to communicate information corresponding to the status
of the remote electronic system 14 and/or the wireless control
system 12. In this way, the control circuit 26 may selectively
activate the status indicator 30 to communicate the status to the
operator of the vehicle.
The methods, devices, and logic described above may be implemented
in many different ways in many different combinations of hardware,
software or both hardware and software. For example, all or parts
of the system may include circuitry in a controller, a
microprocessor, or an application specific integrated circuit
(ASIC), or may be implemented with discrete logic or components, or
a combination of other types of analog or digital circuitry,
combined on a single integrated circuit or distributed among
multiple integrated circuits. All or part of the logic described
above may be implemented as instructions for execution by a
processor, controller, or other processing device and may be stored
in a tangible or non-transitory machine-readable or
computer-readable medium such as flash memory, random access memory
(RAM) or read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read only
memory (EPROM) or other machine-readable medium such as a magnetic
or optical disk. Thus, a product, such as a computer program
product, may include a storage medium and computer readable
instructions stored on the medium, which when executed in an
endpoint, computer system, or other device, cause the device to
perform operations according to any of the description above.
The processing capability of the system may be distributed among
multiple system components, such as among multiple processors and
memories, optionally including multiple distributed processing
systems. Parameters, databases, and other data structures that may
be separately stored and managed, may be incorporated into a single
memory or database, may be logically and physically organized in
many different ways, and also may be implemented in many ways,
including data structures such as linked lists, hash tables, or
implicit storage mechanisms. Programs may be parts (e.g.,
subroutines) of a single program, separate programs, distributed
across several memories and processors, or implemented in many
different ways, such as in a library, such as a shared library
(e.g., a dynamic link library (DLL)). The DLL, for example, may
store code that performs any of the system processing described
above.
It will be understood that any described processes or steps within
described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes
or steps to form structures within the scope of the present device.
The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for
illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.
It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can
be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without
departing from the concepts of the present device, and further it
is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered
by the following claims unless these claims by their language
expressly state otherwise.
The above description is considered that of the illustrated
embodiments only. Modifications of the device will occur to those
skilled in the art and to those who make or use the device.
Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the
drawings and described above is merely for illustrative purposes
and not intended to limit the scope of the device, which is defined
by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles
of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.
* * * * *